Portable liquid storage tank

ABSTRACT

Provided herein are storage tanks for storing water and other liquids. A storage tank according to the invention is relatively inexpensive in comparison to conventional storage tanks, and can be disassembled or packaged to occupy a relatively small volume for purposes of transportation and storage. A storage tank according to the invention may have a capacity in the range of between 200 to 10,000 liters, while only occupying a volume of less than 1 cubic meter when disassembled.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to liquid storage. More particularly, it relates to storage tanks which by virtue of their construction are easy to transport and store in small spaces.

BACKGROUND

[0002] The storage of liquids, and particularly water, has been a concern of societies since the earliest of times. Various persons throughout the ages have devised means for storing water, and such means are generally well-known to include such storage means as reservoirs, bladders, steel tanks, man-made lakes, etc.

[0003] For geographical locations where natural land formations do not lend themselves well to the construction of dams or other semi-natural means for storing water, alternate storage means must be provided. In such cases, it is most common for a water tank to be fabricated on site, or transported to the location of use by conventional cartage means such as truck, tractor-trailer, steamship, or railcar.

[0004] The necessity of having to transport a storage tank to the site of its intended use has multiple negative effects. First of all, a completed storage tank is by its nature a bulky construction, and the capacity of the tank when empty represents dead space. Thus, the outer walls of a complete tank being transported are relatively large in dimension, which consumes a large volume on a railcar, tractor-trailer, or other vehicle in which it is conveyed. Additionally, after manufacture, it is rare for a storage tank to be delivered directly to its point of intended use. More often than not, tanks which are transported are shipped to distributors, and must be subsequently transported once again from the distributor to the point of use, often involving the use of heavy equipment in cases of storage tanks of any substantial size, and large storage areas.

[0005] Another disadvantage of transporting ready-assembled storage tanks is that they are not easily repairable, for cases when damage occurs to the exterior wall of the tank causing its compromise. In such cases, specialized repair means, such as welding, or fiberglass or plastic repair are required.

[0006] Thus, if a means for storing liquids were provided which occupied a small volume in its un-assembled form were available, such would be welcomed by those needing such storage means. If such a means were lightweight so as to be readily transported by a single individual without the need for heavy equipment, such would be welcomed by those needing such storage means. If a means for repair of such a storage means did not require welding or other specialized skills for repairing a compromised outer wall, such would be further welcomed. If a means for storing liquids met the aforesaid criteria, it would be especially welcomed by persons living in remote areas who have a need to store water, such would be further welcomed by both the public and by retailers who could sell with little warehouse space needed to stock the item. The present invention provides such storage means, and the advantages and benefits of the present invention will become apparent to one of ordinary skill in this art after reading and understanding the present specification and its appended claims.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] The present invention provides a storage tank suitable for the storage of liquids, including water, which comprises a shell portion comprising a plurality of substantially flat panel elements in the form of a polygon, which become round when joined and filled with water. The panel elements each include a perimeter, and each of the flat panel elements are arranged adjacent to one another so as to form a closed-loop construction. In such a closed-loop construction, each of the flat panel elements are each connected to two adjacent flat panels. The resulting closed-loop construction of the shell portion has an open top portion with an upper circumferential edge that defines a plane, an open bottom portion, and an interior volume. The plurality of flat panel elements collectively define a wall having an interior face and an exterior face. There is a polymeric membrane disposed within the interior volume of the shell portion such that the membrane forms a waterproof seal between the interior volume and the spaces exterior to the wall and beneath the bottom portion. The open top portion remains open sufficiently to enable a liquid to be admitted into the interior volume from above the open top portion, such as by natural rainfall from above or from roof downspouts directed into the tank. There is also provided a means for securing the membrane within the interior volume by affixing the membrane to the circumferential edge.

[0008] According to a preferred embodiment, there is provided in a storage tank according to the invention a central support post having a first end portion and a second end portion, which central support post is disposed within the interior volume centrally on the floor of the tank which is defined by the ground within the shell. The central support post extends in a direction perpendicular to the flat bottom portion (the ground upon which the tank as a whole rests) such that the first end portion coincides with the flat bottom portion. The central support is of sufficient length that its second end portion coincides with the plane of the circumferential edge, that is, the upper edge of the tank as a whole which is defined the top edge of the wall, which wall is defined by the flat panel portions.

[0009] In a preferred embodiment there is also a plurality of linear supports disposed over the open top portion in an orientation perpendicular to the central support. The linear supports each have a first end portion and a second end portion, wherein the first end portion and the second end portion of each of the supports coincide with the circumferential edge. The supports preferably pass over the second end portion of the central support post. Preferably, the linear supports are connected to the second end of central support post.

[0010] According to another preferred form of the invention, the means for securing the membrane within the interior volume by affixing the membrane to the circumferential edge comprises a circular retainer hoop disposed within the interior volume at the circumferential edge and in contact with the membrane so as to mechanically bias the membrane against the interior face of the wall and retain a substantially-circular shape of the outer shell of the tank as viewed from above when empty or only partially full. The retainer hoop, in turn, is held in position by being attached to the linear supports, using any conventional fastening means known to those skilled in the fastener arts, including without limitation those mentioned elsewhere in this specification, and preferably with wood screws or machine screws. Thus, there are many ways of accomplishing this, with the advantage being that it retains the shape of the round cylinder when the tank is not full, for otherwise the top could collapse inward if not full, or the wind could blow the tank over if the circular shape is not maintained by the retainer hoop.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011]FIG. 1A is a frontal view of a flat panel element of a storage tank according to the invention;

[0012]FIG. 1B is is a frontal view of a flat panel element of a storage tank according to the invention;

[0013]FIG. 2 is a frontal view showing a plurality of panel elements connected according to the invention;

[0014]FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a plurality of panel elements connected according to the invention with one another to form a closed-loop construction;

[0015]FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a tank according to one form of the invention;

[0016]FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the upper edge portion of a tank according to one form of the invention;

[0017]FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the upper edge portion of a tank according to one form of the invention;

[0018]FIG. 7 is a side cross-section view of a bulkhead fitting disposed through a panel element and the membrane element according to a preferred form of the invention;

[0019]FIG. 8 is an overhead view of a tank according to a preferred form of the invention;

[0020]FIG. 9 is an overhead view of a tank according to a preferred form of the invention; and

[0021]FIG. 10 is an overhead view of a tank according to an alternate form of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] Referring to the drawings and initially to FIG. 1A there is shown a panel element 4 useful in constructing a liquid storage tank according to one preferred form of the invention, wherein the panel element 4 is a substantially-rectangularly shaped piece of sheet metal having a plurality of holes 2 disposed about two of its opposite sides. FIG. 1B shows a panel element 4 useful in constructing a liquid storage tank according to one preferred form of the invention, wherein the panel element 4 is a substantially-rectangularly shaped piece of sheet metal having a plurality of holes 2 disposed about two of its opposite sides, and having an overflow hole 6 which serves as a provision for an overflow outlet and a valve access hole 8. The panel elements are preferably comprised of sheet metal of any gauge in the range of from about 10 gauge to about 45 gauge.

[0023] Sheets of other rigid materials are functionally equivalent, such as sheets of polypropylene, plywood, KEVLAR® polymer, composite materials such as graphite or reinforced fiberglass, or other reinforced resin materials known in the art, including particle boards and wire mesh or wire cage. Any thickness in the range of from about 10 mm to about 25 mm, or thicker, is suitable.

[0024]FIG. 2 shows a construction which comprises a plurality of panel elements 4 which are connected to one another in an adjacent configuration by means of conventional fasteners 10, which conventional fasteners may comprise strips of nylon, leather, nuts and bolts, welds, hinges, metal bands, clips, or, according to a preferred form of the invention, rivets. When rivets are employed it is desirable in one form of the invention to align the holes from adjacent sheets with one another prior to inserting and fastening a rivet simultaneously through an aligned hole in each of adjacent panels, so as to form a seam along the adjacent panels with one another. In one embodiment the means for fastening the panels to one another permits movement of adjacent panels with respect to one another in such a way that enables the finished construct of a plurality of panel elements 4 to be folded in such fashion that the individual panels lie atop one another in a final folded or rolled configuration.

[0025]FIG. 3 shows a shell 69 comprising a plurality of panel elements joined to one another as shown in FIG. 2, wherein the plurality of panel elements 4 are affixed to one another to form a closed structure which is generally cylindrical in shape. Such a closed structure may be comprised of any number of individual panel elements, provided that the finished structure is a closed cylinder. However, it is possible, by using conventional fasteners to achieve a structure which, when viewed from above does not resemble a circle, as does the construct of FIG. 3, but rather another geometrical form such as a square, pentagon, hexagon, octagon, nonagon, decagon, etc. up to figures having as many sides and shapes as the constructor of a tank according to the invention desires to employ. The shell could also conform to existing areas without being geometric.

[0026] The plurality of panel elements 4 as shown in FIG. 3 functions, when stood on its end as shown in FIG. 3, as the outer shell for a liquid storage tank according to the invention. In order to provide a functional storage tank, a membrane such as a sheet of a polymeric material is inserted into the open top portion of the shell 69 and pushed downwards into the shell, so as to provide the outer shell with an inner liner or membrane which is capable of containing a liquid, such as water. The outer shell 69 provides the necessary structural support to maintain the whole construction in a vertical disposition, while the membrane serves to contain the liquid substance.

[0027] A typical arrangement of the aforesaid is shown in side cross sectional view in FIG. 4, wherein is shown the tank wall 24, which is a convenient way to refer to one of the panels 4 of the shell 69 in a finished tank according to the invention, as such panels 4 collectively comprise the wall of the tank. In this FIG. 4, 22 represents a barrier material, which may be selected from the group consisting of: cardboard, newspaper, plastic, carpet, padding, weed mat, or any material having the ability to protect the waterproof membrane from punctures and preferably has a thickness between 5 mils and 0.500 inches. The barrier 22 is preferably placed into position within the bottom of the shell 69 in order to protect the membrane 28 from damage owing to sharp edges on the panel elements 4, rocks on the ground, the conventional fasteners 10, etc. Thus, in FIG. 4 the barrier 22 is shown disposed in contact with the inner portion of the tank wall 24 and the ground upon which the tank rests. Disposed atop the barrier layer 22 is the membrane 28, whose function is to contain the liquid being stored so that none of it leaks out into the surroundings. The membrane 28 preferably comprises a sheet of polypropylene homopolymer or copolymer with ethylene, but may also be selected from other materials in the group consisting of: PVC, CPVC, polypropylene homopolymers or copolymers, polyethylene, EPDM, or any material sufficient to contain a liquid without leaking.

[0028]FIG. 4 also shows a central support post 26 which is used in a preferred form of the invention to add support to other structural elements in a combination according to one form of the invention, as is made apparent from what follows. Atop the liquid level 30 in FIG. 4 in one form of the invention is an added layer 20 which floats atop the liquid being stored, so as to minimize evaporative losses of the liquid being stored and is especially beneficial in those cases when water is being stored. There is also a retainer hoop element 32 whose function is to secure the membrane in place, and maintain the upper portion of the tank in a circular form, as shall now be described below.

[0029]FIG. 5 shows a side cross-section view of the top portion of a storage tank according to the invention. In this figure are shown the relation between the outer tank wall 24, barrier 22, membrane 28, and retainer hoop 32. The retainer hoop element is constructed of a polyethylene, plastic, fiberglass tubing or rod, or any lightweight material of sufficient strength to maintain the construct in the shape of a substantially cylindrical tank, and is disposed about the upper circumference of a storage tank according to a preferred form of the invention. Its purpose is to maintain the shape of the tank when empty or not completely full and hold the upper extremities of the membrane 28 in position so that none of the liquid being stored leaks out. This is accomplished by placing the membrane into the shell (which has already been provided with the barrier 22), and placing the retainer hoop within the membrane 28 so that the ends of the membrane overlap the retainer hoop and are thus secured to the inner wall of the shell 69 against the barrier 22 by means of an interference fit. The retainer hoop his preferably held into position by means of fastener means 34 which are preferably screws, but other conventional fasteners such as rivets, clamps, staples, welds, etc. are sufficient. The fastener means 34 is also disposed through a linear support 18 (which is clearly shown in FIGS. 8 and 9). Central support post 26 is also shown here to be affixed at the apex of the two linear supports 18 (FIG. 8) at 36 by means of a conventional fastener, such as those already mentioned herein and other fasteners known in the art.

[0030]FIG. 6 shows a close-up view of one of the edge portions depicted in FIG. 5, showing the relationship between the retainer hoop 32, the barrier 22, membrane 28, and outer tank wall 24. However, this figure illustrates an embodiment of the invention which employs a screen 12 atop the tank in order to keep birds, insects, leaves, and other debris from entering into the tank. The screen 12 is placed over the top of the tank with the edges of the screen overlapping the outer wall of the tank all along its periphery. That is, the diameter of the screen is greater than the diameter or cross dimension of the tank. Next, a u-shaped channel 16 is placed upside down about the upper edge of the tank wall 24 with the screen disposed within the inner portion of the “u” of the u-shaped channel. The u-shaped channel preferably spans the entire circumference of the upper edge of the tank wall 24. The u-shaped channel is held in position by means of a plurality of clips 14 which provide a clamping force on the u-shaped channel sufficient to secure the screen 12 in position via an interference fit between the clips 14 and the u-shaped channel, which clips are disposed about the circumference of the upper edge of the tank. Preferably, at least 4 of such clips are used spaced at 90 degrees along the upper edge of the tank as viewed from above. More preferably, 8 of such clips are used spaced at 45 degrees apart. Any number of clips may be used provided they secure the screen in place in this embodiment. Other means known to those skilled in the art may also be employed to fastent the U-shaped channel to the upper edge of the tank.

[0031]FIG. 7 shows a side view of an access hole 6 or 8 (FIG. 2) disposed in the tank wall 24, which hole is fitted with a bulkhead fitting 44 that is secured using a bulkhead nut 40 in accordance with the invention. There are flanges 38 which help distribute the weight of a valve attached to bulkhead to a greater area of side of tank, and a gasket means 42 for making a liquid-tight seal between the contents of the tank and the surroundings. The membrane 28 is also shown herein. The bulkhead fitting may be used for any purpose desired by the user, such as a valve or other connective fitting for plumbing purposes.

[0032]FIG. 8 shows an overhead view of a tank according to a preferred form of the invention, in which linear supports 18 are affixed to the upper edge of the tank using fastening means 34 as previously shown in cross-section in FIG. 5. In one preferred embodiment, the linear supports rest on the top edge of the tank prior to the connection of the fastening means to the retainer hoop to hold it in place. The connection of the intersection point of the linear supports 18 at 36 to the central support post 26 (FIGS. 4 and 5) is made by conventional means, such as a nail driven through the intersection of linear supports 18, or other conventional fastening means such as including without limitation, clamps, angle brackets, or a threaded stud inserted into the end of the central support post 26. The respective positions of the tank wall 24 and retainer hoop are shown as well.

[0033]FIG. 9 shows an overhead view of a tank according to a preferred form of the invention, in which linear supports 18 are affixed to the upper edge of the tank using fastening means 34 as previously shown in cross-section in FIG. 5. In this embodiment, there is shown also screen 12, clips 14 disposed along the periphery of the upper edge of the tank in interference fit with the u-channel 16 so as to cause a clamping of the u-channel against the screen to affix it to the upper edge of the tank.

[0034] In FIG. 10 is shown an alternate embodiment of the invention in which a plurality of linear supports 18 are connected to and radially disposed about the central support post 26. In this embodiment, the linear supports 18 are attached to the central support post at its top portion at one of their ends, and are attached to the top of the panel elements 4 using conventional fastening means, as described herein.

[0035] In addition to the bottom hole 6 useful for draining the contents of the tank, a second hole disposed near the top of the tank with fluid connection between the outer wall portion of the tank and the contents inside the membrane represents another embodiment of the invention. Such a provision provides for the transfer of water that would normally overflow the tank so that it could be directed through a conduit such as a hose for purposes of providing water to foliage, such as trees.

[0036] With regards to the retainer hoop element 32, it preferably has an outer diameter which is identical to the inner diameter of the tank at the top edge, which provides for securing the shape of the upper tank edge and secures the membrane in place.

[0037] According to a preferred form of the invention, the linear supports 18 exist in a telescoping configuration, which allows for their collapse in order to render them smaller for transportation purposes. According to another preferred form of the invention, one of the support members is hollow and its interior space is sufficient that the other support member may be housed within the first support member for storage. In an alternate form of the invention, it can be elongated sufficiently to cover the tank and expand as the tank volume expands. For example if the tank is expanded by modularly increasing the capacity of the tank by adding more panels and a larger waterproof membrane. It is preferred that the end portions of the support members include an end which is bent at about 90 degrees so as to angle over the edge of the tank and provide additional support on the exterior wall of the tank.

[0038] According to the present invention, a tank of liquid volume capacity in the range of between 200 liters to about 10,000 liters may be packaged in a volume as small as 1 cubic meter. This is by no means limiting of the capability of the present invention either in terms of total tank volume possible, nor storage volume of a disassembled tank according to the invention. Indeed, a tank according to the invention may be constructed to store millions of gallons of water or other liquids. This is due to the panel elements 4 being capable of being stacked atop one another in a box or connected in a series, except for 2 ends, and rolled, and the membrane being capable of being folded or rolled up. The remaining hardware, including valves, bulkhead fittings, fasteners, etc. can be contained in a small space as well, inside the hollow area of the rolled panel elements. According to one preferred form of the invention, all of the panel elements are connected to one another, with the exception of the final two, to provide a construct as depicted in FIG. 2, which may be rolled up and stored.

[0039] Although the panel elements 4 have been described herein as being substantially rectangular, the present invention contemplates the use of panel elements having shapes other than rectangular, and such are within the scope of the invention, including without limitation square, round, pentagonal, triangular, or any geometric polygon shape, subject to the proviso that the panel elements are joinable as the rectangular ones described herein are, to form a shell 69 as described herein into which may be disposed a membrane as described elsewhere herein, and which shell 69 is able of providing sufficient structural support to contain the weight of liquid disposed within such membrane.

[0040] In addition to the embodiments described hereinabove, a storage tank according to the present invention lends itself well to concepts of modularity in construction. The present invention contemplates telescoping linear supports, the addition of any number of panel elements desired by the user, and the attendant utilization of larger membranes which enable one to expand the capacity of a liquid storage tank without the need for purchasing a whole new tank; thus it is seen that the liquid volume capacity of a tank according to the invention is readily expandable by addition of further panel elements and a swapping of the membrane for a larger one, which additional panel(s) and larger membrane are also conveniently stored and shipped in relatively small containers.

[0041] Consideration must be given to the fact that although this invention has been described and disclosed in relation to certain preferred embodiments, obvious equivalent modifications and alterations thereof will become apparent to one of ordinary skill in this art upon reading and understanding this specification and the claims appended hereto. Accordingly, the presently disclosed invention is intended to cover all such modifications and alterations, and is limited only by the scope of the claims which follow. 

I claim: 1) A storage tank suitable for the storage of liquids, including water, which comprises: a) a shell portion comprising a plurality of substantially flat panel elements, said panel elements each including a perimeter, wherein each of said flat panel elements are arranged adjacent to one another so as to form a closed-loop construction, and wherein each of said flat panel elements are each connected to two adjacent flat panels, wherein the closed-loop construction of said shell portion has an open top portion with an upper circumferential edge that defines a plane, an open bottom portion, and an interior volume, and wherein said plurality of flat panel elements collectively define a wall having an interior face and an exterior face; b) a polymeric membrane disposed within said interior volume of said shell portion such that said membrane forms a waterproof seal between said interior volume and the spaces exterior to said wall and beneath said bottom portion, and such that said open top portion remains open sufficiently to enable a liquid to be admitted into said interior volume from above said open top portion; and c) a means for securing said membrane within said interior volume. 2) A storage tank according to claim 1 wherein said means for securing said membrane within said interior volume secures the membrane by affixing the membrane to said circumferential edge by conventional fastening means. 3) A storage tank according to claim 1 further comprising: d) a plurality of linear supports disposed over said open top portion, said linear supports each having a first end portion and a second end portion, wherein said first end portion and said second end portion of each of said supports coincide with said circumferential edge. 4) A storage tank according to claim 3, further comprising: e) a central support post having a first end portion and a second end portion which is disposed within said interior volume and extending in a direction perpendicular to said flat bottom portion such that said first end portion coincides with said flat bottom portion, said central support being of sufficient length that said second end portion coincides with the plane of said circumferential edge, and wherein said linear supports pass over said second end portion of said central support post. 5) A storage tank according to claim 1 further comprising: d) a central support post having a first end portion and a second end portion which is disposed within said interior volume and extending in a direction perpendicular to said flat bottom portion such that said first end portion coincides with said flat bottom portion, said central support post being of sufficient length that said second end portion coincides with the plane of said circumferential edge, and e) a plurality of linear supports each having a first end portion and a second end portion, wherein said first end portion of said linear supports is connected to said central support post and wherein said second end portion of said linear supports are connected to said panel elements at said circumferential edge. 6) A storage tank according to claim 4 wherein said linear supports are connected to said second end of central support post. 7) A storage tank according to claim 6 wherein said means for securing said membrane within said interior volume by affixing said membrane to said circumferential edge comprises a circular retainer hoop disposed within said interior volume at said circumferential edge and in contact with said membrane so as to mechanically bias said membrane against said interior face of said wall. 8) A storage tank according to claim 7 wherein said linear supports are connected to said retainer hoop. 9) A storage tank according to claim 1 further comprising a barrier disposed between said membrane and said inner wall. 10) A storage tank according to claim 8 further comprising a barrier disposed between said membrane and said inner wall. 11) A storage tank according to claim 1 further comprising a screen disposed over said open top portion. 12) A storage tank according to claim 8 further comprising a screen disposed over said open top portion. 13) A storage tank according to claim 11 wherein said screen is held in place by means of a u-shaped channel disposed upon said circumferential edge with said screen disposed between said u-shaped channel and said circumferential edge. 14) A storage tank according to claim 13 herein said u-shaped channel is secured to said circumferential edge by means of a conventional fastening means selected from the group consisting of: screws, rivets, and clips. 15) A storage tank according to claim 12 wherein said screen is held in place by means of a u-shaped channel disposed upon said circumferential edge with said screen disposed between said u-shaped channel and said circumferential edge. 16) A storage tank according to claim 15 wherein said u-shaped channel is secured to said circumferential edge by means of a conventional fastening means selected from the group consisting of: screws, rivets and clips. 17) A storage tank according to claim 1 wherein each of said panel elements include a plurality of holes disposed about its perimeter. 18) A storage tank according to claim 8 wherein each of said panel elements include a plurality of holes disposed about its perimeter. 19) A storage tank according to claim 17 wherein adjacent panel elements are connected to one another by a conventional fastening means selected from the group consisting of: rivets, bolts, clips, and screws. 20) A storage tank according to claim 18 wherein adjacent panel elements are connected to one another by a conventional fastening means selected from the group consisting of: rivets, bolts, clips, and screws. 21) A storage tank according to claim 1 wherein at least one of said panels includes an access hole disposed through it having a valve disposed therethrough which permits selective fluid communication between the contents of said interior volume and the space exterior to said wall. 22) A storage tank according to claim 21 wherein said panel including an access hole includes a second hole disposed through it which permits fluid communication between the contents of said interior volume and the space exterior to said wall. 23) A storage tank according to claim 1 wherein said membrane is made from a material selected from the group consisting of: PVC, CPVC, polypropylene homopolymers or copolymers, polyethylene, EPDM and waterproof materials. 24) A process for storing a storage tank according to claim 1 having a liquid volume capacity in the range of 200 liters to about 10,000 liters which comprises: a) providing a storage tank according to claim 1; b) disassembling said tank to provide a plurality of flat panels, means for connecting said flat panels to one another, a polymeric membrane, and means for securing said membrane within said interior volume; c) stacking said flat panels atop one another to provide a stack of flat panels; d) minimizing the volume occupied by said polymeric membrane by manipulating it in a fashion selected from the group consisting of: folding or rolling it up; and e) placing said stack of flat panels, said membrane, said means for connecting said flat panels to one another, and said means for securing said membrane within said interior volume all into a container having a volume less than 1.0 cubic meter, so as to form a packaged storage tank. 25) A process according to claim 24 wherein said container is a box. 26) The packaged storage tank of claim
 25. 27) A process for storing a storage tank according to claim 1 having a liquid volume capacity in the range of 200 liters to about 10,000 liters which comprises: a) providing a storage tank according to claim 1; b) removing the fastening means along a single seam of said plurality of flat panel elements so as to provide a planar construction which comprises a plurality of panel elements which are connected to one another in an adjacent configuration by means of conventional fasteners; c) rolling up said planar construction to form a rolled shell panel; d) minimizing the volume occupied by said polymeric membrane by manipulating it in a fashion selected from the group consisting of: folding or rolling it up; and e) placing said rolled shell panel, said membrane, said means for connecting said panels to one another, and said means for securing said membrane within said interior volume all into a container having a volume less than 1.0 cubic meters, so as to form a packaged storage tank. 